Pavano appeared uncomfortable with the large number of reporters following the Yankees, something the front office hopes will improve.

“I don’t think any [off the field issues] held him back,” Cashman said. “It was all because he was hurt.”

As Pavano struggled, he was also adjusting to life as a high-profile New Yorker, a radical change from his previous addresses, including Southington, Montreal and Miami.

“That was a big adjustment for me, learning how to get around in the city,” Pavano said. “I’m a lot more comfortable with that now.”

OK, the reporters are one thing. But, this is a guy who dated TV stars – and had the media spotlight before with that. And, Miami is a big/hopping city too (just warmer than NYC). Sounds like excuses to me.